Fresh Gallery – Meet the Artist – Springfield, MO

In April, 2015, Fresh Gallery was thrilled to host a competition open to area artists. This was a wonderful opportunity for individuals to exhibit 2-D and 3-D works in a gallery setting. In addition to showing, the area artists had the chance to meet each other and discover what exceptional gallery facilities are available in the downtown area.

Dr. Janet Jordan is new to the local art scene, with Fresh Gallery being her first gallery representation. As an emergency physician, she has worked in a busy trauma center for 25 years. She sees a common thread between these two seemingly opposite interests. Both bring order out of chaos, require intense passion and result in an intimate connection to the outside world. Her figurative sculptures represent strength and vulnerability while her subject matter is light and playful. Filled with an overabundance of empathy, she hopes her sculptures will bring a smile to your face.

A self-described “recovering emergency physician,” Jordan keeps the subject matter whimsical and joyful. The pieces are first sculpted in oil based clay, a time consuming process that takes her from three weeks to three years. Multiple steps are then required to convert the original clay form to bronze. The foundry process, known as the lost wax method, dates back to days before Michelangelo. A wax reproduction holds the space for molten bronze, resulting in the wax being “lost.”

Her muse collection includes five spirited ladies, 24 inches in height, completed in the lost wax bronze method. Each represents a stage in life involving challenge, discovery, and victory. The symbolism cries out for a more introspective interpretation. Each bronze is a limited edition, with production of only 25 pieces. After production, each mold is destroyed.

Jordan’s knowledge of human anatomy began at the University of Kansas, where she worked as an assistant professor in Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology. Jordan jokes that her first clay female figure was anatomically accurate, but lacked all subcutaneous tissue; resembling a cadaver. Her body of work keeps expanding as she enjoys her retirement and time at Table Rock Lake. Sculpting is a passion, rivaled only by her love for medicine.

In addition to Jordan’s Featured Artist month, her body of work will be on display year round as she has decided to accept a full time display opportunity in the gallery. Fresh is excited and proud to introduce Jordan to the Springfield art scene and have her sculptures grace the gallery. Jordan’s work can also be viewed on her website: janetjordansculpture.com.

Second Saturday Artist

Reception

January 9, 2016

3pm – 6pm

Wine and snacks will be served.  Stop in and meet the artist!

First Friday marked the beginning of the Featured Month for this talented artist and Second Saturday continues the festivities. Please take the time to stop by during the Artist Reception on January 9, 2016 from 3pm to 6pm and meet her.

Fresh Gallery is located at 400 W Walnut St in downtown Springfield. We are on the corner of Walnut and Campbell. As always, shop local and support the area’s artists.  See you there!

Any artist wishing information on becoming a part of this exciting endeavor may contact Fresh Gallery at (417) 862-9300, visit our website at www.freshgallery.org, or find us on Facebook.